The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-12-15

OF the loss.
It is alarming to note that in spite of
our continually improving facilities for
fighting lire, and the increasing num-
bers of fire-proof buildings. the gross
losses throughout the country grow
steadily greater year by year. Below
is an accurate tabulated statement of
the country's yearly loss by fire, which
is not pleasant reading:
1873 "a BE, 900 1888. 300. 10000
1873 711;3.000 1884. .....-... 1l00O000
1890. 746f3,00O 1875. l0s,SlS,OO
1SSl.-... 81 ,2S3, 900 lSo6-...-...-. lOi.9S4OO
ISL. S45Oo,OOO
Our national resources are so i'm
mense that the country has not yet
seriously felt this drain, but it is evil
dent that the time must come when it
will feel it. This is especially true if
we take into consideration the amount
of money spent annually in fighting
fire. New York's fire department alone
costs more than S1,O00.000 annually;
its insurance patrol more than $780,
600.
The principal insurance companies.
actuated by such considerations. have
adopted plan which is so simple and
promises to be so effective that it de-
serves to have public atten ton called
to it.
They have printed and propose to dis
tribute gratuitously through every build
ing in the city, set of Fire Cautions"
Their idea is that if these are posted in
conspicuous places in Office buildings,
factories, tenement houses and the like,
the practical cautions they embody
will not be apt to be forgotten. Ger
tainly, if they are remembered and al
ways carefully observed. accidental
fires would be few and far betw cen.
The cautions are given below. 1t
can be seen that they are sensible,
practical and ineligible:
Don't allow stoves or heaters on your
premises which are not securely set on
stone, cemented brick or metal. and be
sure that all woodwork near the stoves
or pipes is carefully protected with
metal
Don't allow any loose-jcinted gas
brackets ON your premises which could
be swung against woodwork, or any
gas brackets without wire screens or
globes, if hay, straw, light materials or
window curtains are near them
Don't allow any electric lights or
wires ON your premises which are not
properly protected.
Don't allow steam-pipes to be in con-
tact with wood or inAammable ma
terial
Don't allow any kerosene oil lamps
Is be filled after dark. Filling lamps
near Il fire is dangerous
Don't forget to keep the lamps filed.
and wicks in good order When the oil
is low it generates gas which is liable
TO explode.
Don't allow benzine, gasoline. naptha
or explosives in your place Your in
surance policy prohibits it
Don't allow ashes TO be put in q
wooden box or barrel in your building.
Always have an iron asia can.
Don't allow any oily waste or rags to
be thrown on the floor, bat only in
metal can, with cover, and have them
taken out of the building every night;
they are self-igniting.
Don't allow any greasy or oily rags
or papers to be mixed up with clean
clippings, or large amount of clip
pings to remain in your place (eveR if
clean and in bales) than is absolutely
unavoidable.
Dent allow saw-dust to be used on
floors or in spittOons. 1t causes many
fires, ignited by cigar stunIps or cigar
cites.
Don't allow saw-dust to be used for
catching oil drippings from machines
or elevator gearing. Sand is safe.
Don't allow matches to be kept loose.
or in paper boxes, but only in metal or
earthen safes. Those lighting only on
the box are safest.
Don't allow smoking on your prem !
Uses where any combGstible goods or
are used.
Don't fail to have your tire-buckets
filled. and test hose and fire appliances
from time to time.
Don't allow your stairs or Railways
to be blockedup or used for storage"
OF rubbish. hay, straw, etc, to accumu-
late or remain on your premises.
Don't fail to have all elevators or
hoistways provided with good trap
at night.
Don't forget to close your iron shut
ters at night.
Don't forget that neglect and care
IessDess are the cause of more fires than
all other things, and enforce rules to
guard against them.-M T. CONNER
;idL AdcertiSer.
Domestic Felicity.